Editing Midnight RPG - Chapter 14.44 (section)

== Adam/Zal'Kazzir ==

I hope our company is pleasant, and I hope yours is as well...


''*Zal'Kazzir's face looks pensive, and his eyes widen as he takes a deep breath*'' 

These ''*Gesturing toward his eyes*'' are a... new... development. I know not why they are as they are; my companions first noticed the change earlier today... I was unaware anything had happened until they noticed, shocked. My eyes have certainly not always been pools of Ink like this, and my knowledge of magic lends me no insight into their source. I have theories, of course, but none of them makes enough sense to believe. Perhaps it is some lingering effect of the curse of blindness I suffered in the bowels of the tower; perhaps the twisted magic of the spire interfered with Kyuad's spell that removed the blindness; perhaps it is both of these, or neither, or something else altogether, I know not, but I know it is to my great harm that they are changed. In this dim light, I can see as well and as comfortably as any man, but even the light from these braziers is uncomfortable to stare at, and I fear what the bright dawn will bring... 


''*Zal'Kazzir lets out a sigh, and shakes his head as if to banish an unpleasant thought*''


''*Turning back to Shadaar, renewed vigour in his voice, and his face warmed by a renewed smile*'' But enough of my eyes! You laughed a moment ago! Any man who can go through what you did, and then laugh so soon is a man of iron will, and unquestionable fortitude. The fact that you retained the hope and will to survive even against seemingly impossible odds is a testament to your character. ''*Zal'Kazzir says these things sincerely, with no hint of flattery; his face eager*''

But you also asked about the ways of magic-users; let me give you a good an answer as I can in a short time. I will tell you one basic rule; all beings have varying skills, talents and personalities, and these differences give us strength. Take our case here; you just said you know little of magic, just as I know near nothing of hiding, while you seem almost ''unnaturally'' good at it; so it is with channelers as well. Each channeler is completely unique. Even if two were to have the same skills, their personalities might cause them to use those skill is wholly different ways; '''never''' underestimate what a channeler can do, but always remember that they are '''very''' mortal, and often rely upon fear and secrecy to conceal their motives and enforce their power. Much as a corrupt trade guild hides it's secrets to preserve a monopoly so too do many channelers inspire fear and paranoia to preserve their precious secrets. 


''*Looking slightly abashed*'' 

I apologize if that was not necessarily the answer you might have been seeking, but I felt it was important. Let me tell you a bit more of myself, and perhaps my resoning will be clearer. 

I, for one, would rather not even be known as a channeler; I am Zal'Kazzir, and I am more diplomat and trader than mighty wizard. The few enchantments and illusions I can create are subtle and sly, more at home in a court or salon than here, and are hardly the mighty magic of old tales; no fire springs from my fingers, I've never turned anyone into a toad and I can't fly. I'm a passable cook, but know nothing of potion-lore; I have written passable poetry and prose, but have never scribed an enchanted scroll. 

All of that being said, I believe that magic, like literacy and lore, is a precious and fading gift, and it should be taught to all who would learn. If treasures such as these are hoarded and kept as secrets, they are as useless as a dragon's hoarded gold. it is this belief that causes me to mistrust secrets, and just as my brothers on the plains see freedom in the horse and the grass, I see freedom in knowledge. 

I'm sure my rambling talk has prompted questions; ask then now, or later if you prefer. I am always available to talk, and will always give you honest counsel, should you ask. We are too newly acquainted to be called friends, but I hope it will be so in time.